University of Reading Special Collections

The University has a large number of special collections of rare books, archives, manuscripts and other materials. They may be consulted by members of the public as well as members of the University.

Our collections, which include rare books, archives and manuscripts, are substantial and varied, particularly for a University of this age and size. The majority result from donations: the tradition of acquiring special material is as old as the University, the bequest of the Overstone Library in 1920 setting a pattern. The collecting of manuscripts and archives began in a systematic way in the 1960s, and from the start has been dominated by the programme to collect and manage British publishers’ archives.

The Beckett Collection and the Archive of British Publishing and Printing are Designated Collections of national importance.

Venue Type:

Library, Archive

Opening hours

Mon* 10:00 - 17:00Tues-Fri 09:00 - 17:00Sat & Sun Closed

* On Mondays the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) galleries are closed. Please ring the intercom to the left of the Museum entrance to gain access to the Reading Room.

Admission charges

Admission free.

Additional info

On Mondays the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) galleries are closed, along with the shop and gardens.

The Beckett Collection and the Archive of British Publishing and Printing are Designated Collections of national importance.

The Beckett Collection demonstrates Samuel Beckett’s profound impact upon European theatre in the 20th century and upon the continuing evolution of performance in formal and informal settings.

The Archive of British Publishing and Printing covers the full range of British publishing activity from 1800 to the present day. Most of the major literary, general and educational publishers are represented including Allen & Unwin, Heinemann Educational Books, Macmillan and Random House.

Website

E-mail

Telephone

0118 378 8660

Fax

0118 378 5632

All information is drawn from or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.